BOGOTA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Colombians gathered on Saturday at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in the city of Cali to bid a final farewell to soccer player Freddy Rincon, who died on Wednesday in a road accident at the age of 55.
"I want to thank everyone who came. It is a very difficult time. Each message has reached our hearts and helped us at this time. I thank my family, who has been going through this difficult time," said Sebastian Rincon, the deceased star's son who plays for the Independiente Santa Fe team.
Relatives, friends and fans of Freddy Rincon came to the stadium alongside members of the 1990 national team, with whom the player, one of the country's most beloved athletes, made history after scoring the goal against Germany that allowed Colombia to enter the round of 16 in the World Cup held in Italy.
During his career, Rincon played for the clubs including Real Madrid in Spain, Corinthians in Brazil, and some top Colombian teams such as Santa Fe of Bogota, America de Cali and Atletico Buenaventura. ■
